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ThesisItem Open Access Influence of different levels of energy on growth performance of crossbred pigs(Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2001) Rekha, P; KAU; George, MathenAn experiment was conducted to assess •the influence of different levels of energy on the growth performance of crossbred (Large White Yorkshire x Desi) pigs. Fifteen male (castrated) and fifteen female weaned crossbred piglets with an average body weight of 12.9 kg were divided into three equal groups as uniformly as possible with regard to age, sex and body weight. The three groups of piglets were maintained on three rations with 16 per cent crude protein but differing in their energy content, viz., 2800 kcal (T1), 3000 kcal CT2) and 3200 kcal (TI) of digestible energy (DE) per kg. The average daily gains recorded for the three groups T1, T2 and TI were 262.9, 302.0 and 362.8 g respectively. The cumulative feed conversion efficiencies were 6.0, 5.2 and 4.1 for the groups T1, T2 and TI respectively. The values recorded for TI were higher (P<0.01) than those for T1 and T2. The digestibility coefficients of nutrients except that of crude fibre and crude protein were found to improve with increase in the energy content of the rations. Study of the carcass traits revealed that the body weight at slaughter and dressed weight without head improved as the energy content of the rations increased. However, dressing percentage, carcass length and back fat thickness were not significantly influenced by the energy content of the ration. The cost of feed per kg weight gain of animals was significantly lower (P<0.01) for the dietary treatment T3 compared to that of T2 and Tl, the values being Rs.49.90, 43.30 and 34.10 for Tl, T2 and T3 respectively. The above results indicate that crossbred pigs require 3200 kcal of DE/kg of the ration for better growth performance provided the crude protein level is maintained at 16 per cent.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of replacing dried fish with lysine and methionine in the calf starter on the growth performance of crossbred calves(Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2004) Jith John, Mathew; Ally, KA growth trial was conducted with fourteen crossbred calves below one month of age for 145 days to study the effect of replacement of unsalted dried fish in the calf starter with a total vegetable protein source supplemented with lysine and methionine. Calves were divided into two groups as uniformly as possible and allotted randomly to two dietary treatments. The control group was fed with a calf starter containing unsalted dried fish. The treatment group was fed a calf starter with only vegetable protein sources formulated to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric with control calf starter and equated by supplementation, with the same as regard to amino acids lysine and methionine plus cystine. Statistical analysis of the data showed that there was no significant difference in any of the parameters recorded during the study. An average daily gain of 325 grams and 348 grams were obtained in calves fed with the control and treatment diets respectively. Feed to gain ratio for the control and treatment groups were 3.85 and 3.81 respectively. Dry matter intake and haematological parameters such as haemoglobin, serum phosphorus, serum calcium, plasma glucose, serum total protein and blood urea nitrogen were similar in calves receiving the two dietary treatments. The digestibility coefficients of nutrients observed were 66.37 and 65.84 for dry matter, 72.21 and 72.36 for crude protein, 64.28 and 61.85 for ether extract, 62.34 and 60.71 for neutral detergent fibre and 51.95 and 52.25 for acid detergent fibre for the control and treatment diets respectively. Identical performance was obtained in all the parameters recorded. Cost per kilogram body weight gain was Rs 71.40 for the control group and Rs 69.63 in the treatment group. It could be inferred from the study that unsalted fish in a calf starter can be fully replaced by plant protein sources supplemented for existing deficiencies in lysine and methionine plus cystine to obtain similar growth performance of cross bred pre-ruminant calves.ThesisItem Open Access Microbial degradation of mimosine in goats(Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 1995) Prabhakaran, P; KAU; Devasia, P AAn investigation was carried out to find out the extent of in vitro microbial degradation of pure mimosine (T1) and that of immature leaves (T2), mature leaves (T3), tender stems (T4) and seeds (T5) of L. leucocephala using strained rumen liquor obtained from three rumen fistulated Saanen – Malabari crossbred goats maintained under standard conditions of feeding and management. The proximate chemical composition and mimosine content of different edible parts of leucaena during the months of May, June and July were determined. While immature leaves and seeds had higher crude protein content, seeds had higher crude fat, tender stems had higher crude fibre and mature leaves had higher ash content compared to other edible parts of subabul. The average mimosine concentrations of T2, T3, T4 and T5 were 12.11 + 0.05, 4.89 + 0.02, 3.90 + 0.04 and 10.70 + 0.08 per cent respectively during May; 11.66 + 0.06, 5.23 + 0.03, 3.62 + 0.03 and 10.44 + 0.05 per cent respectively during June and 9.96 + 0.05, 4.92 + 0.03, 3.73 + 0.02 and 9.51 + 0.04 per cent respectively during July on a dry matter basis. The average mimosine concentrations of strained goat rumen liquor incubated with 37.50 mg/100 ml of added mimosine in pure form or as immature leaves, mature leaves, tender stems and seeds showed significant reduction at every 12 hr intervals from 0 to 48 hr of incubation, the final average concentrations being 23.98 + 0.37, 23.14 + 0.37, 22.20 + 0.28, 23.12 + 0.52, 23.35 + 0.37 mg/100 ml of SRL. The percentage of in vitro degradation in respect of T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 increased significantly at every 12 hr intervals of incubation from 0 to 48 hr, even though the degradation was incomplete with all treatments, the average percentage degradation at 48 hr of incubation being 31.69 + 1.02, 34.49 + 1.18, 37.12 + 0.99, 34.54 + 1.50 and 33.41 + 1.03 respectively. The overall average rate of disappearance of mimosine in µg.ml-1 . h-1 in respect of T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 for the entire period of 48 hr of incubation were 2.33, 2.54, 2.74, 2.54 and 2.44 respectively with highest rates during 0 to 12 hr, lower rates during 24 to 36 hr and least rates during 36 to 48 hr. The production of ammonia and VFA coincided with the active degradation of mimosine, there being faster degradation upto 12 hr of incubation with highest concentrations of ammonia and VFA at 12 hr of incubation. The overall results indicated that the rumen microorganisms of crossbred goats degrade mimosine to DPH, ammonia and VFA and that mimosine does not inhibit the microbial activity, even though the possible role of leucaena endogenous enzymes in the partial degradation of mimosine recorded in the present study cannot be ruled out.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of dried spleen as growth stimulator in kid rations(Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 1994) Shyama, K; KAU; James, C SAn investigation was carried out to assess the effect of dried spleen as a growth promotant in kid rations. Twenty four female Malabari kids with an average body weight of 8.5 kg were distributed randomly and as uniformly as possible into four groups (groups 1, 11, 111 and IV) of six animals each, with regard to age and weight. The four dietary treatments A, B, C and D were allotted to the kids in the groups 1, 11, 111 and IV respectively, ration A with a concentrate mixture containing 16 per cent crude protein supplemented with dried buffalo spleen at the rate of 0.1 per cent, ration B forming the control diet at 16 per cent protein level without incorporation of spleen, ration C with a concentrate mixture containing 12 per cent crude protein supplemented with dried buffalo spleen at the rate of 0.1 per cent, ration D forming the control diet at 12 per cent protein level. Jack leaves formed the sole source of roughage to the animals. The experimental duration was 120 days. The results indicated that incorporation of dried spleen in the ration enhanced the growth performance of animals, especially in animals maintained on low level of protein, as evidenced by the cumulative and average daily weight gain registered in that descending order being 7.52 kg and 62.64 g, 7.4 kg and 61.67 g, 6.88 kg and 57.36 g and 5.00 kg and 41.67 g for the animals maintained on rations C, A, B and D respectively. The efficiency of feed and protein utilisation also exhibited the same trend. It was also noticed that, a cost of production per kilogram gain of Rs.32.58 and 26.14 were registered for animals maintained on spleen incorporated rations (rations A and C) as against Rs.35.08 and 38.63 respectively for the animals maintained on corresponding control groups (ration B and D) indicating a better cost efficiency in spleen incorporated groups, especially in animals maintained on low level of crude protein in the ration. The haematological studies reveal that R.B.C., W. B. C., haemoglobin, plasma protein, plasma calcium, phosphorus and magnesium were within the normal range prescribed for the species. The animals maintained on ration C showed a significant increase (P < 0.01) in plasma calcium level when compared to that of the control. Digestibility studies reveal no significant difference in digestibility of dry matter and nitrogen free extract between the four groups. Animals maintained on the spleen incorporated rations (groups 1 and 111) showed better digestibility (P < 0.01) of crude protein and ether extract than the respective control groups (groups 11 and IV). Incorporation of dried spleen could not bringforth any influence on fibre digestion. The results of the balance experiment showed better retention of nitrogen, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium in the animals maintained on spleen incorporated diets. The higher retention of these parameters could be substantiated by the comparatively lower faecal and urinary excretion of these, in animals maintained on spleen incorporated rations (rations A and C). An overall assessment of the results, indicated that incorporation of dried buffalo spleen in the ration of goats, at the rate of 0.1 per cent, certainly augment the nutrient utilisation by increasing the digestibility and retention, and can be recommended as a harmless natural growth promotant with economic benefit.ThesisItem Open Access Growth and carcass characteristics of pigs maintained on rations containing different levels of dried tapioca chips(Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 1981) Sasikala Devi, K A; KAU; Thomas, C TAn investigation was carried out to assess the growth rate, feed efficiency, carcass quality and economics of production in swine with isoproteimic rations containing dried tapioca chips in partial or complete replacement of maize. Eighteen large White Yorkshire weanling pigs were divided into three groups (Group 1, 11 and 111) of six animals each as uniformly as possible in regard to litter, sex, age and weight and maintained on three isoproteimic diets A, B and C containing 0, 20 and 40 per cent levels respectively of dried tapioca chips in partial and complete replacement of maize. Records of feed intake, fortnightly body weights and body measurements were maintained throughout the course of the experiment. Digestibility coefficients of nutrients in the rations were determined. Two males and two females each from all the three groups were slaughtered when they attained the body weight of 70 kg for collecting data on carcass characteristics. Haematological studies were also carried out to assess the nutritional status of the animals. The animals under all the three dietary treatments recorded almost similar growth rates, the overall average daily gains being 385.9, 368.0 and 380.2 g respectively for the three groups 1, 11 and 111. The total food intake of the animals were similar indicating that the three rations, in addition to being isoproteimic, were also isocaloric and of almost equal palatability. The animals also showed similar feed conversion efficiency, the overall average values being 3.59, 3.62 and 3.57 respectively for the groups 1, 11 and 111. The digestibility coefficients of nutrients in the three rations were similar indicating that dried tapioca chips was as efficiently utilised as maize. The normal and similar values for blood constituents indicated that all the animals maintained normal nutritional status and inclusion of tapioca at levels as used in the present study did not exert any deleterious effect on the health of the animals. Results of studies on carcass characteristics revealed that the dressing percentage without head, carcass length, back fat thickness, loin – eye area and percentages of prime cuts against live weight were all found to be similar with both tapioca and maize based diets. The diets used did not seem to markedly influence the melting point of body fat though there was significant difference between subcutaneous and leaf fat indicating a greater unsaturation of subcutaneous fat. Saponification values were found to be similar with all the three diets. With respect to both subcutaneous and leaf fat, iodine number was higher on maize based diets though there was significant difference only in regard to subcutaneous fat. Cost of production per kg live weight of the animals in the three groups 1, 11 and 111 were shown to be Rs.8.20, 8.19 and 7.99 respectively. An overall evaluation of results clearly indicated that dried tapioca chips can be safely and profitably incorporated in swine rations at a level of 40 per cent in place of conventional cereal grains like maize.ThesisItem Open Access Optimum level of protein in concentrate mixtures of kids for growth(Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 1981) Ganga Devi, P; KAU; Kunjikutty, NAn investigation spread over a period of 4 ½ months was carried out to establish the optimum level of protein in concentrate mixtures of kids for growth. Twenty four cross – bred kids (Saanen x Malabari and Alpine x Malabari) of 3 – 4 months of age, divided into four identical groups formed the experimental subjects. The kids in group 1, 11, 111 and IV was maintained on concentrate mixtures containing 16, 18, 20 and 22 per cent respectively of crude protein along with jack leaves fed ad libitum as the sole roughage. Increase in body weight and body measurements, feed conversion efficiency, digestibility of nutrients, nitrogen retention and haematological values of the kids were the criteria employed for the evaluation. The average daily gain in body weight recorded for the kids of the four groups were almost similar and were not influenced by the level of dietary protein fed. The body measurements did not reveal any significant differences between the groups except body length which showed increase with increase in level of dietary protein. Highest feed efficiency was shown by kids of group IV followed by group 111, 11 and 1 the values being 6.2, 6.9, 7.0 and 7.2 respectively for the four groups. The digestibility of nutrients especially that of crude protein and the average daily nitrogen retention were directly proportional to the level of dietary protein fed. All the animals maintained a sound nutritional status throughout the experimental period as evidenced from the normal haematological values recorded for them. Kids fed 22 per cent crude protein in the concentrate mixture showed maximum economic gain.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of bakers yeast on growth and nutrient utilization in crossbred (large white yorkshire X desi )pigs(Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 2003) Sekar, M; Viswanathan, T VA study was carried out to assess the influence of baker's yeast culture on growth performance, digestibility of nutrients and carcass characteristics in Large White Yorkshire x Desi (75:25) crossbred pigs. Thirty weaned piglets (15 barrows and 15 gilts) with an average body weight of 13.5 kg were divided into three homogeneous groups with regard to age, sex and body weight. Ten piglets in each group were randomly distributed into five replicates of two piglets each. The three groups were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments viz., T,- control (standard ration), Tr control diet supplemented with 0.25 per cent baker's yeast culture and T3- control diet supplemented with 0.5 per cent baker's yeast culture. The piglets were fed on their respective grower rations which contained 18 per cent crude protein and 3200 kcal digestible energy per kg until they attained an average body weight of 50 kg and thereafter changed to finisher rations which contained 14 per cent crude protein and 3 100 kcal digestible energy per kg until the pigs were slaughtered. A digestibility trial was conducted towards the end of the experiment using chromic oxide as external indicator. On completion of seven months of age six pigs from each treatment were slaughtered to study the carcass characteristics. Average daily gain of 352, 383 and 405 g were recorded for the groups T" T2 and T3, respectively. The pigs fed with diet containing 0.5 per cent baker's yeast (T3) had higher (P<0.05) average daily gain than those fed with unsupplemented diet (T,). But, there was no significant difference between T, and T2 as well as T2 and T3. However, there was a trend for a higher average daily gain for those fed 0.25 per cent yeast culture (T2) over those fed control diet Cl (T,). Feed conversion efficiency was 4.36, 4.05 and 3.83 for the groups T" T2 and T3, respectively. The pigs fed with diets containing 0.25 (T2) and 0.5 per cent baker's yeast (T3) had higher (Pwith unsupplemented diet (T,). The digestibility coefficient for dry matter and ether extract were significantly higher (P<0.05) for pigs fed 0.5 per cent yeast culture than those fed with unsupplemented diet and there was no significant difference between T, and T2 or T2 and T3. Pigs fed diet containing 0.5 per cent baker's yeast had higher (P<0.05) crude fibre digestibility than those fed with the diets containing 0 and 0.25 per cent yeast culture. Study of the carcass characteristics revealed that the dressing percentage, carcass length, back fat thickness and loin eye area were not significantly influenced by the inclusion of yeast culture at different levels. The cost of feed per kg live weight gain was Rs.36.63, 35.52 and 34.99, respectively for the treatments T}, T2 and T3. Feed cost per kg live weight gain was lower in T3 compared to other treatments. It is concluded that baker's yeast can be economically included at 0.5 per cent level in the diet for better growth and feed conversion efficiency in crossbred pigs.ThesisItem Open Access Influence of feed enzymes on nutrient availability and production performance of laying hens(Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1995) Satyamoorthy, B; KAU; Maggie Menachery, DThe influence of feed enzymes, viz., cellulose or protease supplemented at levels of 0.06 or 0.02 per cent respectively, on nutrient availability and on production performance was evaluated in a standard and a less dense layer ration using one hundred IWN strain of Single Comb White Leghorn pullets of 20 weeks of age for an experimental period of 20 weeks. A standard layer ration was formulated as per BIS, 1993. With 18 per cent crude protein and 2600 kcal of ME per kg of feed and a less dense layer ration with 16 per cent crude protein and 2500 kcal of ME per kg of feed. A few feed ingredients such as jowar, deoiled rice bran, wheat bran and undecorticated sunflower cake were included in both rations. A numerical improvement was noticed in percentage hen – housed and hen – day egg production in enzyme treated groups, however, the increase in egg number was not statistically significant. Egg weight and egg quality characteristics such as yolk and albumen indexes, Haugh unit scores and shell thickness were not affected by enzyme treatment. A positive influence of the enzymes on feed intake by birds was observed in as much as the feed intake with less dense ration supplemented with enzymes was not different statistically from those with the control ration. There was positive enzyme effect on feed per egg in treatment groups on standard layer ration with both enzymes and in less dense ration with protease. Feed efficiency for egg production (egg number) was significantly higher in birds fed standard layer ration with cellulose and protease than those on other treatments (P < 0.05). There was improvement in digestibility of crude protein and utilisation of energy, even though the differences noted were not significant statistically. The enzyme treatment of rations reduced moisture content of excreta. The microbial load on the surface of eggs was comparatively low in enzyme treated groups. The intestinal viscosity was reduced with enzyme addition in feed mixtures. The cost – benefit analysis indicated that but for the prohibitive enzyme cost, the feed enzymes were nutritionally beneficial. Based on the present investigation it is concluded that there is tremendous scope for enzymes in feed industry, especially at the present context of feed shortages and the emphasis for the utilisation of alternative feed resources in poultry rations.ThesisItem Open Access Nutritive evaluation of squilla (oratosquilla nepa) meal in broiler chicken diets(Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2000) Kanakasabai, P; KAU; Kunjikutty, NAn experiment was designed and conducted to assess the nutritive value of squilla (Oratosquilla nepa) meal in broiler chicken diet as an animal protein source replacing fish meal protein at three levels viz. zero, 50 and 100 per cent with supplementation of lysine and methionine at 100 per cent level of replacement. One hundred and eighty one – day old straight – run commercial broiler chicks were divided into four groups each with three replicates of fifteen birds and were allotted to four dietary treatments viz. T1 containing 10 per cent unsalted dried fish (control), T2 in which 50 per cent crude protein from dried fish was replaced with squilla meal protein, T3 in which 100 per cent crude protein from dried fish was replaced with squilla meal protein and T4 in which T3 was supplemented with adequate lysine and methionine as per BIS (1992). The rations were made isoproteimic and iso – caloric. The chicks were reared under standard managemental conditions for a period of eight weeks. The birds fed on 100 per cent squilla meal protein dist in replacement of fish meal protein attained significantly lower body weight gain )P < 0.01) compared to those in the control ( T1) and 50 per cent squilla meal protein (T2) group at six and eight weeks. Lysine and methionine supplementation in the 100 per cent squilla meal protein diet improved the weight gain of birds to a level comparable to those on 50 per cent squilla meal protein diet. Feed intake and protein of birds on various dietary treatments at different ages did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). But the feed conversion efficiency of birds maintained on control diet was significantly higher (P < 0.05) at six weeks and eight weeks (P < 0.01) than those on 100 per cent squilla meal protein diet (2.437 vs 2.93). Protein efficiency ratio of birds differed significantly between different treatment groups and the values correlate well with the body weight gain at different ages. Slaughter studies revealed no significant difference (P > 0.05) between the different groups in dressed yield, giblet yield and length of duodenum. However, the abdominal fat was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in control group of birds, while the ready – t0 – cook yield was significantly less (P < 0.05) in 100 per cent squilla meal protein group. The apparent metabolisable energy content of different rations and daily protein retention of birds showed no significant difference between the different dietary treatments. The cost of production per kilogram of live weight gain of birds maintained on the four dietary treatments T1, T2, T3 and T4 were Rs. 26.42, 26.24, 27.25 and 27.79 respectively. Though there was a slight decrease in the cost of production of birds due to incorporation of squilla meal in place of unsalted dried fish at 50 per cent replacement, the difference was insignificant. However, 100 percent replacement of fish meal protein with squilla meal protein and amino acid supplementation to the same increased the cost of production (P < 0.01) with no corresponding increase in performance. From the results obtained in the present study it was inferred that squilla meal can be effectively included in broiler chicken diets to replace 50 per cent of fish meal protein without affecting growth, feed conversion efficiency and the cost of production.
